Ebonyi community seeks end to land dispute

The Ishinkwo Youth Assembly (IYA) in Ebonyi State has called for an end to a 100-year-old land dispute between it and Abaomege community.

It wants the land amicably shared to put an end to what it described as “morbid communal conflict” and endless litigations.

IYA’s president, Mr Innocent Elum, urged Ebonyi people to vote for Engr. Dave Umahi as governor because, according to him, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate promised to ensure the dispute is resolved.

Besides, Elum said it was the turn of Ebonyi South Senatorial zone where Umahi hails from to produce the next governor.

“We have what we call Charter of Equity or Charter of Conscience. Simply, it is an unwritten agreement by our founding fathers for power to rotate among the three zones. Ebonyi North and Central have taken their turns, with Dr. Sam Egwu and Governor Martin Elechi respectively. It is now the turn of the South. And since Dave Umahi is from the south, what else are we talking about?”

Elum faulted Gov. Elechi’s alleged decision to back another candidate rather than Umahi, his deputy, despite their “succession agreement.”

“Chief Umahi has been saying without contradiction by Chief Elechi that he struck a deal with Elechi in 2011, and worked for his re-election on the understanding and promise that Elechi would hand over to him at the end of his tenure.

“Now, the governor has allegedly reneged on his promise. It is both a moral and legal issue to break a valid agreement,” Elum, a law graduate, said.

He added that Ishinkwo is also supporting Umahi because he promised to liaise with the state’s representatives in the National Assembly to construct the F113 road which passes through Ishinkwo from Okposi/ Ukawu to Abaomege.